Will Bennett reap revenge on Cowboys?

Updated 7:29 am, Wednesday, September 5, 2012

Tight end Martellus Bennett signed with the Giants in March after four subpar seasons with the Cowboys.

Tight end Martellus Bennett signed with the Giants in March after four subpar seasons with the Cowboys.

Photo: Bill Kostroun, Associated Press

Image 2 of 50

MIAMI, FL - SEPTEMBER 20: Tight end Martellus Bennett #85 of Texas A&M Aggies sets for play against the University of Miami Hurricanes at the Orange Bowl on September 20, 2007 in Miami, Florida. Bennett changed his number from 13 to 85 to honor injured Buffalo Bills tight end Kevin Barnett who played for the Hurricanes. Miami won 31-17. (Photo by Al Messerschmidt/Getty Images)

MIAMI, FL - SEPTEMBER 20: Tight end Martellus Bennett #85 of Texas A&M Aggies sets for play against the University of Miami Hurricanes at the Orange Bowl on September 20, 2007 in Miami, Florida. Bennett

Tight end Martellus Bennett (left) makes a catch in front of linebacker Leon Williams (52) at the Dallas Cowboys training camp at the Alamodome on Friday, July 30, 2010.

Tight end Martellus Bennett (left) makes a catch in front of linebacker Leon Williams (52) at the Dallas Cowboys training camp at the Alamodome on Friday, July 30, 2010.

Photo: KIN MAN HUI, San Antonio Express-News

Image 4 of 50

Former Texas A&M player and current Dallas Cowboy tight end Martellus Bennett greets former players before the Aggies went against the Arkansas Razorbacks at the Southwest Classic football game at Cowboys Stadium in Irving, Texas on Saturday, Oct. 9, 2010.

Former Texas A&M player and current Dallas Cowboy tight end Martellus Bennett greets former players before the Aggies went against the Arkansas Razorbacks at the Southwest Classic football game at Cowboys

Dallas Cowboys' Martellus Bennett dives for extra yardage between the New York Giants' Corey Webster (left) and New York Giants' Michael Boley during first half action Monday Oct. 25, 2010 at Cowboys Stadium in Arlington.

Dallas Cowboys' Martellus Bennett dives for extra yardage between the New York Giants' Corey Webster (left) and New York Giants' Michael Boley during first half action Monday Oct. 25, 2010 at Cowboys Stadium in

Dallas Cowboys tight end Martellus Bennett prays before their games against the Washington Redskins at Cowboys Stadium in Arlington, Monday, Sept. 26, 2011.

Dallas Cowboys tight end Martellus Bennett prays before their games against the Washington Redskins at Cowboys Stadium in Arlington, Monday, Sept. 26, 2011.

Photo: JERRY LARA, San Antonio Express-News

Image 12 of 50

Washington Redskins Josh Wilson break up a pass intended for Dallas Cowboys Martellus Bennett at Cowboys Stadium in Arlington, Monday, Sept. 26, 2011. The Cowboys won with a late fourth quarter field goal, 18-16.

Washington Redskins Josh Wilson break up a pass intended for Dallas Cowboys Martellus Bennett at Cowboys Stadium in Arlington, Monday, Sept. 26, 2011. The Cowboys won with a late fourth quarter field goal,

Cowboys tight end Martellus Bennett (left) hauls in a pass during the walk-through practice at the Alamodome Monday morning August 8, 2011 during training camp.

Cowboys tight end Martellus Bennett (left) hauls in a pass during the walk-through practice at the Alamodome Monday morning August 8, 2011 during training camp.

Photo: JOHN DAVENPORT, San Antonio Express-News

Image 14 of 50

Dallas Cowboys tight end Martellus Bennett loosens up before a scrimmage game at the Alamodome Sunday August 7, 2011 during traing camp.

Dallas Cowboys tight end Martellus Bennett loosens up before a scrimmage game at the Alamodome Sunday August 7, 2011 during traing camp.

Photo: JOHN DAVENPORT, San Antonio Express-News

Image 15 of 50

Comedian Pee Wee Herman (left) makes a face while posing for a picture with Cowboys tight end Martellus Bennett (80) at the evening session of the Dallas Cowboys training camp at the Alamodome on Thursday, Aug. 4, 2011.

Comedian Pee Wee Herman (left) makes a face while posing for a picture with Cowboys tight end Martellus Bennett (80) at the evening session of the Dallas Cowboys training camp at the Alamodome on Thursday, Aug.

Maya Friedman, 6, of Sugarland rides on the shoulders of Cowboys tight end Martellus Bennett as they went around the field gathering autographs at the end of the afternoon session of the Dallas Cowboys training camp at the Alamodome on Wednesday, Aug. 3, 2011.

Maya Friedman, 6, of Sugarland rides on the shoulders of Cowboys tight end Martellus Bennett as they went around the field gathering autographs at the end of the afternoon session of the Dallas Cowboys training

Dallas Cowboys wide receiver Dez Bryant, (88), celebrates a fourth quarter touchdown along with teammates wide receiver Laurent Robinson, (81), and tight end Martellus Bennett in their game against the St.

Dallas Cowboys Martellus Bennett (center) goes airborne as Tennessee Titans defender Ryan Fowler (52) closes in for a tackle in the first half of their pre-season game at Cowboys Stadium in Arlington on Friday, August 21, 2009.

Dallas Cowboys Martellus Bennett (center) goes airborne as Tennessee Titans defender Ryan Fowler (52) closes in for a tackle in the first half of their pre-season game at Cowboys Stadium in Arlington on Friday,

Dallas Cowboys' Martellus Bennett answers questions from the media after morning practice at Cowboys Training Camp Sunday July 25, 2010 at the Alamodome.

Dallas Cowboys' Martellus Bennett answers questions from the media after morning practice at Cowboys Training Camp Sunday July 25, 2010 at the Alamodome.

Photo: EDWARD A. ORNELAS, San Antonio Express-News

Image 28 of 50

Dallas Cowboys' tight end Martellus Bennett works out during afternoon practice Monday Aug. 10, 2009 at the Alamodome.

Dallas Cowboys' tight end Martellus Bennett works out during afternoon practice Monday Aug. 10, 2009 at the Alamodome.

Photo: EDWARD A. ORNELAS, San Antonio Express-News

Image 29 of 50

Dallas Cowboys Martellus Bennett glides over Houston Texans Eugene Wilson during the first quarter of game at Reliant Staduim Sunday, Sept. 26, 2010, in Houston.

Dallas Cowboys Martellus Bennett glides over Houston Texans Eugene Wilson during the first quarter of game at Reliant Staduim Sunday, Sept. 26, 2010, in Houston.

Photo: Karen Warren, Houston Chronicle

Image 30 of 50

Dallas Cowboys' Martellus Bennett catches a pass during the team's NFL football training camp in San Antonio, Friday, July 31, 2009.

Dallas Cowboys' Martellus Bennett catches a pass during the team's NFL football training camp in San Antonio, Friday, July 31, 2009.

Photo: Eric Gay, Associated Press

Image 31 of 50

In this Nov. 27, 2008, file photo, Dallas Cowboys tight end Martellus Bennett celebrates after scoring a touchdown in an NFL football game against the Seattle Seahawks in Irving, Texas. Bennett put two rap videos on YouTube this week--one that got him in trouble with the team, then another apologizing for it. "Why they hating on me? It was just a song. I was only rapping. I ain't do nothing wrong," Bennett raps in his follow-up performance.

In this Nov. 27, 2008, file photo, Dallas Cowboys tight end Martellus Bennett celebrates after scoring a touchdown in an NFL football game against the Seattle Seahawks in Irving, Texas. Bennett put two rap

Dallas Cowboys tight end Martellus Bennett (80) and wide receiver Laurent Robinson (81) celebrate a 9-yard touchdown reception by Robinson during the first half of an NFL football game against the Tampa Bay

Dallas Cowboys tight end Martellus Bennett celebrates his touchdown against the San Diego Chargers during the second half of an NFL preseason football game Saturday, Aug. 21, 2010, in San Diego.

Dallas Cowboys tight end Martellus Bennett celebrates his touchdown against the San Diego Chargers during the second half of an NFL preseason football game Saturday, Aug. 21, 2010, in San Diego.

Photo: Denis Poroy, Associated Press

Image 34 of 50

New York Giants tight end Martellus Bennett (85) tries to break away from Jacksonville Jaguars running back Richard Murphy (39) during the second half of an NFL preseason football game Friday, Aug. 10, 2012, in Jacksonville, Fla. (AP Photo/Phelan M. Ebenhack)

New York Giants tight end Martellus Bennett (85) tries to break away from Jacksonville Jaguars running back Richard Murphy (39) during the second half of an NFL preseason football game Friday, Aug. 10, 2012,

3712 x 2632~~$~~New York Giants tight end Martellus Bennett (85) catches a pass in front of Jacksonville Jaguars' Andre Branch (90) during the second half of an NFL preseason football game Friday, Aug. 10, 2012, in Jacksonville, Fla.

3712 x 2632~~$~~New York Giants tight end Martellus Bennett (85) catches a pass in front of Jacksonville Jaguars' Andre Branch (90) during the second half of an NFL preseason football game Friday, Aug. 10,

New York Giants' tight end Martellus Bennett arrives at UAlbany for this season's training camp Thursday July 26, 2012. (John Carl D'Annibale / Times Union)

New York Giants' tight end Martellus Bennett arrives at UAlbany for this season's training camp Thursday July 26, 2012. (John Carl D'Annibale / Times Union)

Photo: John Carl D'Annibale

Image 37 of 50

From left, New York Giants fullback Henry Hynoski, tight end Martellus Bennett, and quarterbacks Eli Manning and Ryan Perrilloux run during a physical evaluation drill on the opening day of the NFL football team's training camp in Albany, N.Y., Thursday, July 26, 2012. (AP Photo/Kathy Willens)

From left, New York Giants fullback Henry Hynoski, tight end Martellus Bennett, and quarterbacks Eli Manning and Ryan Perrilloux run during a physical evaluation drill on the opening day of the NFL football

Dallas Cowboys tight end Martellus Bennett rides off the field after getting injured during the second half of an NFL preseason football game Saturday, Aug. 27, 2011, in Minneapolis. (AP Photo/Jim Mone)

Dallas Cowboys tight end Martellus Bennett rides off the field after getting injured during the second half of an NFL preseason football game Saturday, Aug. 27, 2011, in Minneapolis. (AP Photo/Jim Mone)

Texas A&M tight end Martellus Bennett went to the Dallas Cowboys at No. 61 overall.

Texas A&M tight end Martellus Bennett went to the Dallas Cowboys at No. 61 overall.

Photo: DAVID J. PHILLIP, AP

Image 43 of 50

Martellus Bennett watches from the sideline in the Aggies' game against Oklahoma. Bennett will leave the program early to try his luck in the NFL draft.

Martellus Bennett watches from the sideline in the Aggies' game against Oklahoma. Bennett will leave the program early to try his luck in the NFL draft.

Photo: Nick De La Torre, Houston Chronicle

Image 44 of 50

Martellus Bennett gives the Cowboys, who already have Jason Witten, another solid option at tight end.

Martellus Bennett gives the Cowboys, who already have Jason Witten, another solid option at tight end.

Photo: Nick De La Torre, CHRONICLE

Image 45 of 50

A&M tight end Martellus Bennett, showing his disgust during last week's loss to Oklahoma, has learned firsthand about the business side of big-time college football.

A&M tight end Martellus Bennett, showing his disgust during last week's loss to Oklahoma, has learned firsthand about the business side of big-time college football.

Photo: Nick De La Torre, Chronicle

Image 46 of 50

No. 24: Martellus Bennett and Texas A&M will try to build on last season's success.

No. 24: Martellus Bennett and Texas A&M will try to build on last season's success.

Photo: Nick De La Torre, HOUSTON CHRONICLE

Image 47 of 50

Martellus Bennett (13) has been a big scorer for A&M.

Martellus Bennett (13) has been a big scorer for A&M.

Photo: TONY GUTIERREZ, AP

Image 48 of 50

Texas A&M tight end Martellus Bennett shakes Baylor cornerback Anthony Arline as he heads to the end zone for a touchdown in the first half.

Texas A&M tight end Martellus Bennett shakes Baylor cornerback Anthony Arline as he heads to the end zone for a touchdown in the first half.

Photo: TONY GUTIERREZ, AP

Image 49 of 50

Texas A&M's Martellus Bennett has proved to be a hard man to stop. Just ask Louisiana-Lafayette's Wes Simon (36).

Texas A&M's Martellus Bennett has proved to be a hard man to stop. Just ask Louisiana-Lafayette's Wes Simon (36).

Photo: PAUL ZOELLER, AP

Image 50 of 50

Will Bennett reap revenge on Cowboys?

1 / 50

Back to Gallery

EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. — Fear will be the companion of many a Cowboys fan tuning to tonight's game.

The No. 1 source of anxiety: That Jason Pierre-Paul or one of the Giants' other gazillion pass rushers blasts through Dallas' rebuilt offensive line to slam Tony Romo and end his season like Michael Boley did in 2010.

Other worries include Miles Austin pulling yet another hamstring, Eli Manning completing pass after pass against Morris Claiborne and a contest that comes down to a critical game-management decision from Jason Garrett.

Oh, and one other thing: The nightmare scenario of a certain flaky 6-foot-6, 265-pound tight end from Texas A&M having the game of his life.

After four disappointing seasons in Dallas, Martellus Bennett signed a one-year deal with the Giants in March. He left with a well-earned reputation as a second-round bust, a player more known for his outrageous social media creations than his ability to stretch defenses.

Bennett, 25, caught only one touchdown pass while backing up Jason Witten. Insiders say his lack of production reflected the lack of trust Romo and the coaches had in “Marty B.”

Sports Channel

In a conference call with New York media, Garrett called Bennett “complementary.”

“We played to his strengths,” Garrett said. “He was a very good run blocker and pass protector.”

But that wasn't what the Cowboys said about Bennett when they drafted him. Back then, they raved about his potential as a red-zone weapon and envisioned him teaming with Witten to torment overmatched linebackers and safeties.

For whatever reason, it didn't happen. But Bennett seems determined now to fulfill his promise and prove the Cowboys held him back.

“I'm super excited to show who I am and who I've always been but never got a chance to show,” Bennett told New York reporters. “Sometimes the great books are covered up by bad books. Somebody finally gets to take this great book off the shelf.”